If you own a cat, you know what kneading is. For the rest of you, it’s when a cat seems like it is marching in slow motion, opening and closing its claws and paws on a soft surface.
My middle kitty Mo (about 8 months old) is a notorious kneader. Ever since we brought him home at only 6 weeks old, he as had an affinity for nestling up on our necks, taking his tiny cute little paws, and giving us this special kitty-massage. Granted, with claws it is more like a gardening instrument being run up and down the foot – but it’s cute.
Why on earth would a cat feel the need to do this?
Long ago when cats had to find their own shelter (not unlike today), tiny nests were built in the grass and debris – like a crop circle but smaller. They would flatten out an area of grass with their paws in the kneading motion to create a comfortable bed for themselves and their litter.
It is also said that as kittens, the kneading motion when drinking milk from the mother would encourage more to come out, associating the action with a reward. It is no surprise then that a kitty might try to knead a blanket, pillow, or even your lap to expect an equally pleasant prize.
A cat will typically knead when it is happy and content, along with purring; lets be honest, have you ever seen an angry or frustrated cat start kneading something? Even as I am writing this, Mo is hugging me like a human, purring like a truck, and kneading my neck (dripping moisture from his vibrating nose, to add).
It should also be noted that cats have a scent gland in their paws that rubs off when they go through the kneading process, effectively marking their “spots”. Much like a dog whistle, it is hard for the human senses to pick it up, but cats can smell it quite clearly.
A lot of speculation has mentioned that a cat that wasn’t weaned properly or too early will exhibit much more kneading in their early stages of development.
This could be the case with Mo, since we got him at only 6 weeks, but I don’t think it is a bad thing. There is something special about having a loud happy kitty hug, massage, mark you as their own, and fall asleep on you.
Do your own cats knead random soft things throughout the house? Share below-
Post by John Razmus
I am the founder and owner of EverCats, helping it become THE place for cat people to hang out, learn, and grow closer to their feline companions.Most recent The Daily Cat
Current Poll Vote now!
-
Loading ...
Well I have several cats. One kneads a faux fur pillow. One kneads my neck and another my chin or cheek. The facial kneaders also drool. I have 2 babies who knead one of my facial kneaders in the stomach. And when the purr pile cuddles together they are kneading anything & everything !!
Well I have several cats. One kneads a faux fur pillow. One kneads my neck and another my chin or cheek. The facial kneaders also drool. I have 2 babies who knead one of my facial kneaders in the stomach. And when the purr pile cuddles together they are kneading anything & everything !!
Wow, that is a whole lot of kneading! You definitely need to take some pictures and video of that and post it in the forums – sounds amazing : P
Wow, that is a whole lot of kneading! You definitely need to take some pictures and video of that and post it in the forums – sounds amazing : P
I have my first cat ever. He is 12 years old and has been with me only one week. I see him knead alot in my bed and on my chest when he climbs up. it is cute; i thank you for the info about this. I love him but so far he seems so needy, always wants me to sit and rub his belly as if that is all I have to do of a day. He practically trips me regularly as he constantly walks @ and rubs my legs. Today he tried to prevent me from going downstairs by literally lying on his back on each successive step. It was cute but crazy too as i had to go to my studio to teach. Do you think he will stop being so needy after awhile once he realizes i am always coming back? ( I have several jobs and so am in and out a lot. His first owner who had him most of his life passed away so i assume part of his behaviour is due to this. Thanks.
I have my first cat ever. He is 12 years old and has been with me only one week. I see him knead alot in my bed and on my chest when he climbs up. it is cute; i thank you for the info about this. I love him but so far he seems so needy, always wants me to sit and rub his belly as if that is all I have to do of a day. He practically trips me regularly as he constantly walks @ and rubs my legs. Today he tried to prevent me from going downstairs by literally lying on his back on each successive step. It was cute but crazy too as i had to go to my studio to teach. Do you think he will stop being so needy after awhile once he realizes i am always coming back? ( I have several jobs and so am in and out a lot. His first owner who had him most of his life passed away so i assume part of his behaviour is due to this. Thanks.
I can definitely relate to what you are saying – and it sounds like it is a good problem; your cat loves you too much!
Actually for the longest time, my eldest cat Booboo would meet me at the door as I came home from school – he could hear my car pulling up and would always greet me and expect to be pampered right away. They eventually grow out of it for sure, so it will come to an end.
Enjoy it while it lasts, as I’m sure you will miss him being so affectionate and needy when he gets bored of harassing you : P
I can definitely relate to what you are saying – and it sounds like it is a good problem; your cat loves you too much!
Actually for the longest time, my eldest cat Booboo would meet me at the door as I came home from school – he could hear my car pulling up and would always greet me and expect to be pampered right away. They eventually grow out of it for sure, so it will come to an end.
Enjoy it while it lasts, as I’m sure you will miss him being so affectionate and needy when he gets bored of harassing you : P
My cat mostly kneads when I’m petting her, or when she’s just jumped on me and looking for attention. I’ve don’t recall ever seeing her knead when she’s alone. Oh and as the first commenter said, my cat also drools, it’s so funny!
My cat mostly kneads when I’m petting her, or when she’s just jumped on me and looking for attention. I’ve don’t recall ever seeing her knead when she’s alone. Oh and as the first commenter said, my cat also drools, it’s so funny!
I must say, the drool is a funny side-effect of kneading / purring. My wife can always tell when the kitty was cuddly – my shirt has damp spots on it : P
I must say, the drool is a funny side-effect of kneading / purring. My wife can always tell when the kitty was cuddly – my shirt has damp spots on it : P
Some kitties do "make biscuits" when they are frightened or upset. We have quite a few patients that knead when we are taking blood!
Some kitties do "make biscuits" when they are frightened or upset. We have quite a few patients that knead when we are taking blood!
Oh wow, that is quite interesting!
Is it also true that they sometimes purr when they are frightened or upset?
You have my accolades for helping kitties : )
Oh wow, that is quite interesting!
Is it also true that they sometimes purr when they are frightened or upset?
You have my accolades for helping kitties : )
Nickelle kneads a lot, and loves me to rub her belly while she kneads air. She was a breeder female in a cage for her whole 4 years of life before me so I think she just loves the freedom and touch. I love it. It makes me feel happy to see it. It relaxes me.
Nickelle kneads a lot, and loves me to rub her belly while she kneads air. She was a breeder female in a cage for her whole 4 years of life before me so I think she just loves the freedom and touch. I love it. It makes me feel happy to see it. It relaxes me.
My boys are very different. Gunther came to live with me when he was 8 weeks old, and fully weaned. He is not a snuggly cat, or a lap cat, does not like to be held or petted for very long. His mother was a street cat my friends took in, and heaven only knows who his father was. He rarely kneads, but there is one specific pillow that strikes his fancy, and if I put it on the bed, he goes to town!
Martin was a stray who came to us at about 6 months. He's a loving, affectionate, snuggly guy. He kneads a LOT. Occasionally on inannimate objects, but mostly on me! He usually approaches me, starts purring, I'll pick him up and hold him, and he goes to town! When he gets into his kneading mode, his purr changes and I can tell he's one happy cat! That makes two of us, as I love to be kneaded by that guy (pun intended!).
My boys are very different. Gunther came to live with me when he was 8 weeks old, and fully weaned. He is not a snuggly cat, or a lap cat, does not like to be held or petted for very long. His mother was a street cat my friends took in, and heaven only knows who his father was. He rarely kneads, but there is one specific pillow that strikes his fancy, and if I put it on the bed, he goes to town!
Martin was a stray who came to us at about 6 months. He’s a loving, affectionate, snuggly guy. He kneads a LOT. Occasionally on inannimate objects, but mostly on me! He usually approaches me, starts purring, I’ll pick him up and hold him, and he goes to town! When he gets into his kneading mode, his purr changes and I can tell he’s one happy cat! That makes two of us, as I love to be kneaded by that guy (pun intended!).
I have three cats at two different residents. The two at my parents' house are Simmy, female age six, and Pippin, male age two. Pippin was weaned early, and drools, licks, and kneads any soft surface. Simmy prefers faux fur blankets on a warm lap to sink her claws into.
At my husband's house, we have a sixteen year old female named Oreo. She wasn't a kneader until my mother-in-law died. Now she hops on to me every time i sit down and licks my snuggie while kneading her little heart out.
I have three cats at two different residents. The two at my parents’ house are Simmy, female age six, and Pippin, male age two. Pippin was weaned early, and drools, licks, and kneads any soft surface. Simmy prefers faux fur blankets on a warm lap to sink her claws into.
At my husband’s house, we have a sixteen year old female named Oreo. She wasn’t a kneader until my mother-in-law died. Now she hops on to me every time i sit down and licks my snuggie while kneading her little heart out.